WILMINGTON –Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) and will join U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Governor Jack Markell, Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del), and Delaware Transportation Secretary Shailen Bhatt at the rededication ceremony of the Newark Toll Plaza on Monday, July 25, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. The I-95 Newark Toll Plaza underwent reconstruction and reconfiguration to incorporate two highway-speed E-ZPass lanes in the northbound and southbound directions. The project cost approximately $32.6 million and was fully funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

"For years, I-95 traffic congestion in Delaware has slowed down travelers, wasted precious gasoline, and increased harmful air pollution. Needless to say that wasn't the first impression that we wanted travelers through Delaware to come away with. The new highway-speed E-ZPass lanes at the Newark Toll Plaza will address these concerns and create a far more positive experience for those who drive on I-95," said Sen. Carper. "Funded entirely by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, this much needed upgrade to the Newark Toll Plaza will reduce traffic, vehicle emissions, wasted gas and perhaps most importantly – traveler frustration. That is just the kind of 'win-win' for Delaware I envisioned when I supported the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act."

Average daily traffic counts at this toll plaza range from 110,000 cars a day, to more than 140,000 during holidays and tourist seasons. Because 55 percent of travelers use E-ZPass, congestion will be significantly reduced with highway-speed E-ZPass lanes.

WHAT:
Newark Toll Plaza Rededication

WHO:
Governor Jack Markell
U.S. Senator Tom Carper
U.S. Senator Chris Coons
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood
Shailen Bhatt, Secretary, Delaware Department of Transportation
Victor Mendez, Administrator, Federal Highway Administration

WHERE:
Newark Toll Plaza Center, Newark, Del.

Directions: Take I-95 to Route 896 northbound. Make the first left onto Welsh Tract Road. Newark Toll Plaza is approximately one mile on the right, at the intersection of Welsh Tract and Whitaker Roads.

WHEN:
Monday, July 25, 2011, 10 a.m.

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